4 Things to Do in Hartford TN
Whether you’re in Hartford Tennessee to participate in a white water rafting adventure with us or simply passing through town during the off season, there are some amazing things to do in Hartford TN while you’re town. You might as well make a full trip out of your visit to the Smokies and experience everything you can!
Where is Hartford Tennessee?
Before we tell you about things to do in Hartford TN, you probably should know more about the location and proximity to other popular towns in the Smoky Mountains! Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are less than 40 miles away; in fact, traveling from both Hartford TN to Pigeon Forge TN and Hartford TN to Gatlinburg TN takes you just around 1 hour! You can also easily access the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Hartford Tennessee.
Curious about what to expect from the weather during your visit? Read more about Hartford TN weather!
1. Check out Bootleggers Distillery
Located just over a mile from our rafting outpost, Bootleggers Distillery is one of the best family-owned distilleries in the South. They focus on making sure the quality of their products is the top priority. Although they are a small, family-run business, they take pride in doing things the right way. That is why they are one of the few distilleries you will find that distills every drop of alcohol they sell. This attention to detail ranges back across generations of family members who came before them. When you enter the store, you will be greeted by people who are between the 14th and 16th generation distillers! Because the family business has been passed down for so many years, each new owner and all the employees have the same amazing knowledge of the products. So if you have any questions about the distilling process or the alcohol they sell, the trained professionals will have the answer for you!
2. Explore Nearby Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails
One of the best things to do in Hartford TN is hit the trails! There are several beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfalls nearby that you have to check out on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the national park! Don’t have the time or ability for a long hike? You can also explore and admire the Great Outdoors by taking a scenic drive on the Foothills Parkway.
3. Visit the Tennessee Welcome Center
Because Hartford Tennessee is the easternmost town along Interstate 40, it is home to the Tennessee Welcome Center. There are some very interesting things to browse through while you are there. First of all, there are a ton of history exhibits to look at, where you will find some interesting facts about the area, as well as the early settlers who made Tennessee what it is today. Here’s a fun fact for you: the Tennessee Welcome Center is located on land that was once a part of the Cherokee National Forest!
4. White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River
Of course, if you are in the Smokies during rafting season, you have to come join us on the Pigeon River! We offer amazing white water rafting adventures for all ages and skill levels! For families who are rafting with children under 8 or who want a relaxing trip, we suggest the Lower River Rafting Trip. If you want a little more adventure, take on the challenge of the Upper River Rafting Trip on an exciting 6.5-mile ride down the Pigeon River. For the best of both worlds, check out our combo package, where you can enjoy both trips in one! Thrill seekers will also be thrilled to know we offer an Extreme Upper River Rafting Trip– the fastest adrenaline rush in the Smokies!
Now that you know about the fun things to do in Hartford TN, be sure to check out more information about our white water rafting trips so you can plan your next visit today! We hope to see you soon out on the Pigeon River!
